Nose Surgery & Rhinoplasty in Birmingham, AL

Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty are surgical procedures that can improve the appearance and function of a person’s nose. Rhinoplasty is a common procedure that can reshape the nose, while septoplasty is intended to resolve nasal breathing problems.

Nose surgery can be very rewarding and even life changing for the right patient, but the procedure is also technically challenging, so you should always choose an experienced facial surgeon.

When to Consider Rhinoplasty

There are many possibilities in nose reshaping. The general goal is to bring the nose into proportion with other facial features. A secondary goal is to resolve self-image problems related to the patient’s nose and appearance.

Aesthetic changes vary widely. If your nose is large, bumpy, crooked, droopy, long, wide, or narrow, there are techniques to reshape it. Although an aesthetically balanced nose varies for each individual, common goals include:

• Straight nasal dorsum
• Narrow nasal tip
• Small dip between dorsum and tip
• Precise angle between nostrils and lips
• Proportional width and projection

During a consultation, Dr. Petro can listen to your concerns and examine your nose to determine if an aesthetic improvement can be made with rhinoplasty.

Your Rhinoplasty Procedure: What to Expect

The surgery requires about 1 – 3 hours under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Through incisions inside the nose (the closed technique), the nasal bone and cartilage is reshaped to bring the nose into balance.  In more involved procedures, rhinoplasty may require lifting of the nasal skin to obtain a clear view of the underlying cartilage and bone.

Dr. Petro’s approach in rhinoplasty is not only cosmetic, but also highly concerned with proper nasal function. “Remember, the nose is a functional feature on the face,” she reminds us.  “It’s great when it looks better, and that’s always my goal, but it has to work, too.  My patient has to be able to breathe properly after rhinoplasty.”

When it comes to meeting your cosmetic goals, proper planning and an eye for aesthetics help achieve the best results.  “There are many angles, so you mark and measure carefully to determine the right nasal proportion,” the doctor explains.  “Ultimately, doing a good rhinoplasty takes a surgeon with a good aesthetic sense – an ability to visualize the optimal outcome. I can look at a patient’s face and I know what needs to be done for the nose to be brought into harmony with the rest of the face. “

What Happens After Rhinoplasty?

After rhinoplasty, you’ll be sent home with a splint on the nose, possibly along with nasal packing inside the nose. Swelling and discomfort should be expected. Dr. Petro will prescribe medications to help you manage pain during your recovery. After about 1 or 2 weeks, you should be able to return to work or your normal routine. Swelling takes time to subside, but when it does, you can appreciate the improvements in your appearance.

“When a rhinoplasty is done well, what’s most noticeable about the person is that it really brings out their eyes," explains Dr. Petro.  “It’s quite dramatic to see this.  But it means the procedure has to be done in just the right way; small, subtle alterations in the shape yield a big difference.”

Nose Surgery Birmingham

What questions do you have about rhinoplasty? You can ask them during a consultation with cosmetic surgeon Dr. Melanie Petro. Our office is located in Vestavia Hills, just outside Birmingham, Alabama.